Why have security plugins for WordPress? WordPress is the CMS behind 1 out of every 6 websites on the net. This is not a bad thing in itself, but it does mean that most hackers out there are trying to break WordPress websites (this includes WordPress blogs). And, the more hackers, malware and virus producers there are for one platform then the more at risk your WordPress site is.
This is the way of the world. For example, lots of people say that the Apple Mac is more secure than a Windows PC/laptop. This is not actually true, as a Mac is actually far less secure. But, because there are many, many more people trying to hack Windows machines than there are trying to hack Mac devices, you are actually safer with a Mac. The same is true for a website built with WordPress, in that because more people are trying to hack WordPress, you are actually at more of a risk.
What is the real risk with WordPress?
Sadly, the same rule applies for house burglary as applies of WordPress, in that you can make the criminals life harder, but if someone is determined then they are going to get in eventually. But, just like installing stronger locks and a security system in your house, you can make your WordPress harder to break in to. The more effort you put into making your WordPress more secure, then the more people you are going to keep out of it. Here are five WordPress plugins that do just that. They make is that little bit harder for hackers to get into your WordPress, thereby keeping out all but the most determined.
1 - Stealth Login
With this plugin you can create a custom URL. You can use it for logging in and out of your WordPress CMS. This means that if somebody wants to login to your WordPress then they have to know what your custom URL is. If anything, your average hacker is not going to think to look for a separate URL that is used to log in and out. You can also create the URL so that it is easier to remember.
2 - Secure WordPress
With this plugin you can protect the WordPress installation itself. This is done by removing erroneous items that the WordPress installation may have left behind. This will remove yet another means for a hacker to gain access to your WordPress. You may also use it to remove the error information that is on the login page. It adds a blankindex.html file onto your plug-in directory. That way if a person tries to see your content directory they will be hit with a white page which they will somehow have to get around.
3 - Invisible Defender
This plugin will protect your registration, your comment form and your login process. It offers three varieties of protection against both hackers and spambots. The plugin defends against spambots by entering two extra fields to the comment form. The spambot will end up filling in one or both of these fields and will subsequently have its comment rejected. If you use this plugin with other spam protecting plugins then you will have a better chance of protecting your blog against spam too. There are a lot of online statistics that claim this secure plugin works very well.
4 - WordPress Database Backup
This is a security plugin that you can use if the worst happens. You are able to create a back of your files, but more importantly it will back up your version and your customizations to the WordPress installation. The WordPress database backup on this plugin is really rather good. You should use this plugin to backup your WordPress before you conduct any installations onto the WordPress platform. Be careful if you set it to automatic backup, as it may save hundreds which will take up space on your server.
5 - WP Security Scan
This is a good and popular plugin. Once you have installed it and run a scan, it will start to tell you where your security it weak and where it could be improved (and improved further). It is good for scanning all of the aspects of your WordPress (except for host issues), and will give you good advice on setting file permissions, as well as your admin security settings. It will also point out the more obvious vulnerabilities such s your passwords and your database security. It will also hide the version of WordPress you are using, which will mean it will take a hacker longer to hack your site.
Author’s bio:
The article was provided by Sonia Jackson who writes for http://www.homework-desk.com. She can ask all your questions about doing homework on different subjects.